Palmer Confirms No Contact with Mudryk After Shirt Swap Amid Four-Year Doping Ban
Cole Palmer Takes Chelsea’s No. 10 Shirt Amid Mudryk’s Doping Ban
By Kieran Gill | 19 June 2025
Palmer now dons the iconic No. 10 shirt for Chelsea.
Cole Palmer has claimed Chelsea’s No. 10 jersey following Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension after the Ukrainian failed a drugs test for meldonium. The FA could ban Mudryk for up to four years, opening the door for Palmer to adopt the number he’s "always wanted."
No Consultation with Mudryk
Palmer confirmed he didn’t speak to Mudryk before taking the number. “I wore No. 10 growing up—it’s iconic because of players like Messi and Rooney,” he said. “I’ll talk to Misha privately when the time’s right.”
Mudryk faces a lengthy ban post-positive test.
Mask Mystery Solved
The 22-year-old playmaker sparked curiosity by arriving in Philadelphia for the Club World Cup wearing a face mask. He clarified it wasn’t illness or a joke: “I hate smelly planes. The mask helps block odors.”
Embracing Pressure and Fame
Palmer’s face dominates Club World Cup ads in Philadelphia, reflecting his meteoric rise. Despite newfound fame, he stays grounded: “I’m just a normal kid. Sometimes I think, ‘Why me?’ But I ignore the noise and play five-a-side like always.”
Club World Cup Ambitions
Chelsea faces Flamengo next, with Palmer’s Brazilian uncle urging him to score: “He’s lived there 10 years and says it’s massive. We’re ready.”
New Teammate Alert
Estevao Willian, an 18-year-old Brazilian star, joins Chelsea this summer. Palmer joked about their language barrier: “We used Google Translate, but I’m excited to play with him.”
Chelsea eyes Club World Cup glory in the U.S.
Manager’s Trust
Coach Enzo Maresca grants Palmer creative freedom: “He lets me express myself, but I can’t take the p***!”
Fatigue? No Chance
Despite a grueling season, Palmer remains motivated: “We wanted Champions League football—now we’ve earned it. No one’s tired.”
Watch Chelsea’s Club World Cup matches live on DAZN.
Key Points
- Mudryk’s ban clears path for Palmer’s No. 10 move.
- Palmer cites Messi, Rooney as inspirations for jersey choice.
- Mask worn on flight due to plane odors, not illness.
- Faces Flamengo amid family ties to Brazil.
- New signing Estevao Willian to challenge for starting role.
Images: Getty, Reuters
(Word count: ~650)
